Monsoon likely to slow down from July 18 in Himachal

After wreaking havoc in many parts of the state, the monsoon is likely to slow down from July 18 onwards.

As per the Meteorological Department, light to moderate rainfall will continue to occur in most parts of the state with isolated spells of heavy rain in plains, low hills and adjoining mid hills, while rainfall anomaly will very likely be below normal from July 18 to 24.

The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow warning of heavy rain in various districts. Meanwhile, heavy rain in isolated areas as well as light to moderate rain in several places has been reported in the last 24 hours.

Murari Devi in Mandi received the highest 130 mm of rain, followed by Aghar in Hamirpur (110 mm), Pandoh ( 80 mm), Mandi (53.2 mm), Bhuntar (47.6 mm), Sarahan (35 mm), Sundernagar (30.4 mm), Manali (23 mm), Kangra (16.8 mm), Narkanda (12 mm), Una (10 mm), Hamirpur (4.5 mm), Bilaspur (4.2 mm) and Dharamsala (4.1 mm).

Till now, the state has suffered a total loss of Rs 751.95 crore due to 31 flashfloods, 22 cloudbursts and 18 landslides.

Also, as many as 252 roads, including 203 in Mandi, 25 in Kullu, 13 in Kangra, four in Sirmour, three in Una and two in Hamirpur district, remain closed for vehicular traffic.